Internist

An internist is a medical specialist who specialises in all the internal organs. The speciality is called internal medicine. An internist therefore treats diseases of the internal organs and mainly treats adults.

What does an internist do?

An internist supports, examines and treats diseases of the internal organs. Preventing diseases of the internal organs is also part of the field. Internal organs include the heart, lungs, blood vessels, kidneys, liver, hormones, thyroid, stomach and intestines. Conditions such as diabetes are also treated by an internist.

Because this is a very broad field, an internist may specialise in areas such as:

• Kidney diseases
• Stomach and intestinal diseases
• Allergies
• Cancer
• Blood diseases
• Geriatric medicine
• Infectious diseases
• Vascular diseases

How do you see an internist?

You can only see an internist with a referral. This can come from the GP or another medical specialist. When making an appointment, you will often be asked about your complaints. You do not have to answer this, but it is done to book you in with the right specialist.

What is a first appointment with an internist like?

An internist will first discuss your complaints with you. Questions will also be asked about your general health and medical history. This is followed by an examination. They will usually try to schedule the tests on one day. The first appointment can therefore last a long time, up to several hours.

What tests does an internist perform?

An internist can perform or arrange the following tests:

• Physical examination (height, weight, blood pressure)
• Urine test
• Blood tests
• Ultrasound scan
• Lung function tests
• ECG
• CT scan
• MRI scan

The results of all the tests are usually not available immediately. Once the results are available, a follow-up appointment is arranged. A treatment plan is drawn up after discussing the results.

What treatments does an internist provide?

Treatment may consist of medication or lifestyle advice. If an operation is needed, the internist will refer you elsewhere, as an internist never performs operations. They often remain your point of contact throughout your care. There is often not one single cause, or the conditions are chronic. The internist usually coordinates the entire process in the hospital.

How can you prepare for your first visit to an internist?

• Write down your complaints and medical history. The internist will mainly ask you many questions. Writing everything down beforehand means you will not forget anything.
• Write down your own questions too, so that you do not forget them.
• Bring someone with you. You receive a lot of information during the first visit, and it is helpful if someone else listens too.
• Consider your clothing. Exposing an arm is often enough for most tests, but you may need to remove your top for an ultrasound scan.